Species covered in proposed rule • Bass • Crappie • Perch • Trout • Other
Other Description Bluegill.
Rule to Change: Long Lake (Thurston Co.)
Open Last Saturday in Apr-Oct 31
New Rule Proposal: Long Lake (Thurston Co.)
Open Year-Round
Why the change is needed: Offer fishing opportunity in downtown setting where none currently exists. Several lakes are located within the city limits of Lacey and Olympia but most are managed as Opening Day trout fisheries. Additionally, hatcheries are having a difficult time getting all of the fish into lakes within a few weeks of the opener. This change would give hatchery staff flexibility when stocking year round waters and could reduce predation by birds by stocking the other opening day managed waters closer to the opener. The lake is also offers excellent fishing for warmwater that could be targeted year-round.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Steve Caromile, Warmwater Fish Biologist, WDFW.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
No input given
Submitted by: LARRY , PHILLIPS — ,
Date submitted: 06/08/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW372870
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Convert Long Lake to a year-round fishery
Rules Category Puget Sound Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Thurston County
Short Description Eliminate this lake as an opening day water and make it a year-round fishery.
Explanation Several lakes are located within the city limits of Lacey and Olympia but most are managed as Opening Day trout fisheries. Opening this lake year-round offers a fishing opportunity in a downtown setting where none currently exists. Additionally, hatcheries are having a difficult time getting all of the fish into lakes within a few weeks of the opener. This change would give hatchery staff flexibility when stocking year-round waters and could reduce predation by birds by stocking the other opening day managed waters closer to the opener. The lake also offers excellent fishing for warmwater fish that could be targeted year-round.
